With diverse cultural influences, Kolkata is a culinary enthusiast's paradise. The city has so much to offer, from local street food to Indo-Chinese to simple food that feels like home. If you're looking for traditional Bengali food, here's a list of places to satisfy your yearning.
Koshe Kosha, Golpark, and multiple locations, Kolkata
Koshe Kosha's menu includes everything from traditional Bengali dals to starters, sides, desserts, and thalis, but their dedicated Gondhoraj offerings remain a highlight. They are also said to serve the best Kosha Mangsho!
Address: 62, Ballygunge Gardens, Golpark, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Bhojohori Manna, Ballygunge, Kolkata
Bhojohori Manna, an eatery inspired by the old world “pice hotels” and transformed for modern-day culinary needs, is your fix for homestyle Bengali food. The fish head specials and stuffed curries are worth a try here.
Address: 8/1A, Hindustan Rd, Dover Terrace, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Bhooter Raja Dilo Bor, Jadavpur, and multiple locations, Kolkata
Bhooter Raja Dilo Bor's menu extends well beyond Mishti Doi for dessert and also has thali offerings, with options ranging from unlimited to a shareable thali. Expect flavourful polao, sorbot, bhajas, chutney, and a lot more on your plate.
Address: 1F, Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Rd, Santi Pally, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
6 Ballygunge Place, Taltala and multiple locations, Kolkata
6 Ballygunge Place, unlike most eateries, has an extensive and specific selection of dishes under each fish - Rohu, Hilsa, Bhetki, Pabda, and Chitol. Their narrative beverage menu, a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, is also eye-catching.
Address: 55 & 55, 1, Chowringhee Rd, opposite Nehru Children's Museum, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Swadhin Bharat Hindu Hotel, College Street, Kolkata
This legendary pice hotel from the 1920s serves traditional Bangla food on banana leaves and boasts a variety of freshwater fish offerings, as well as a changing vegetarian menu based on the seasonal produce available.
Address: 8/2, Bhawani Dutta Ln, below Raja Guest House, Calcutta University, College Square, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 10:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Ilish Truly Bong Restaurant, Park Street, Kolkata
Over the weekend, the restaurant serves an unlimited buffet of vegetarian dishes like Mochar Chop and Basanti Polao, as well as non-vegetarian classics like Chingrir Piyaj. However, the restaurant is best known for its Ilish fish and seafood thalis.
Address: 83B, Park St, Mullick Bazar, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Aaheli at The Peerless Inn, Taltala, Kolkata
The fine dining restaurant serves delicacies from East and West Bengal that evoke the taste of the Zamindari families. The batik print napkins, food served on bell metal plates, and oil-lit lamps on the table elevate the whole dining experience.
Address: 12, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Kasturi Restaurant, Hindustan Road and multiple locations, Kolkata
Among their Dhakai-style mutton, chicken, and vegetarian preparations, their Dhakai biryanis are a must-try. If you can't decide between the various offerings, order the mini, sampurna, or maharaja bhog to sample them all.
Address:11 A, Hindustan road Doverlane, Gariahat, Hindustan Rd, B, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Bhoj Company, Esplanade, and multiple locations, Kolkata
The Bhoj Company features a varied thali selection and special combos with luchi, polao, and filling curries. In addition to the delectable fare, the Bengali music playing in the background enhances the dining experience.
Address: 30A, Mirza Ghalib St, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, Esplanade, Opp, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saptapadi, Purna Das Road, and multiple locations, Kolkata
Saptabadi is where traditional meets contemporary while retaining authentic Bengali flavours. You'll find everything from a homely Cholar Dal to a fancy Baked Dab Chingri Alaska, and the Avinova Mangsho is a must-try when here.
Address: 49B, Purna Das Rd, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Gariahat, Kolkata, West Bengal
Timings: Lunch & Dinner only
Pictures for Bhojohori Manna, 6 Ballygunge Place, Ilish Truly Bong, Koshe Kosha, The Bhoj Company and Swadhin Bharat Hindu Hotel are sourced from Pexels and are for representation purposes only. Pictures for Aaheli Kolkata, Bhooter Raja Dilo Bor, Kasturi Restaurant and Saptapadi Kolkata are sourced from respective brand websites.
Himani Sona
I’m a Bangalore based Culinary Chronicler who finds joy in food storytelling and photography. I like to research and document food narratives through writings, illustrations and photographs. When I’m away from the lens and pen, I’m mostly hiking in the woods.
